Mind-Body Connection Awareness WorkshopWhat?Mind-Body Connection Awareness movement workshops are designed to help individuals reconnect with their bodies, and become aware of the two-way relationship between their body language, posture, and movement, and their mental and emotional states. Participants will learn relaxation techniques based on body awareness, and reflect upon the fact that the way we move not only reflects, but also affects, the way we feel. The mind/body dichotomy, as well as the estrangement with our own bodies, are part of the heritage of the mind-over-body world-view of Western society. These workshops are designed to bringing about a simple change of perspective and awareness of the mind-body connection that can enhance every aspect of participants’ lives.How?The workshops are framed by the principles of Dance Therapy (“the psycho-therapeutic use of movement as a process which furthers the emotional, social, cognitive and physical integration of the individual.”) Dance Therapy is rooted on the premise that the body, spirit and mind form an integral human being in contrast to the dualistic concept of body and mind as opposite independent parts of a being. Dance Therapists’ work is based on the fact that body movement reflects inner emotional states, and that alterations and adjustments in movement behavior can lead to transformation in the psyche.Mind-body awareness helps those who practice it to experience harmony by overcoming the polarity of thinking about themselves as fragmented pieces of spirit versus flesh, and thoughts versus emotions, by seeing themselves as “whole (wo)men”. Movement Therapy's holistic approach blurs the lines between mind/emotion and body/movement, by uplifting movement as a valid form of expression, and by showing that change in movement behavior can also change the psyche. Consequently, practicing mind-body awareness “rewires” individuals into a state of all-encompassing emotional well being. These workshops do so collectively, with groups of people who share the roles of providing acceptance and support to each other.A healthy relationship with our bodies cultivates a positive body image and boosts self-esteem. From that fact stem many other psychological benefits. The workshops provide a space and time to look for inner peace and harmony, incorporating stretching, relaxation, and meditation exercises based in yoga and contact improvisation. We will also explore the connections between our body language and our emotional states. Many people who practice such mind-body based disciplines affirm that after practice they feel completely cleansed, grounded, and with renewed energy. The workshops take place in comfortable non-threatening environments, in a supportive and informal atmosphere, intended to allow participants to lower their guards for a space of time. Why?A well-grounded mind-body connection awareness is beneficial to everybody. Society has often conditioned us towards at best ambiguous feelings in regards to our bodies. Awareness of mind/body connections is an invaluable tool in order to face the everyday challenges of contemporary life. Practicing mind-body based disciplines also heightens creativity, lowers stress, and helps regulate metabolism and sleep patterns, all factors that affect our over all well-being.